From the Test Kitchen
From the Test Kitchen: Elevate Your Beverage Program with Innovation and Profitability
4/8/2025|Zach Greatting
From the Test Kitchen, Volume 7
With foodservice margins tighter than ever, operators are looking for creative ways to drive profitability without compromising on quality. One of the most effective strategies? Strengthening your beverage program. Whether it’s cocktails, mocktails, or seasonally inspired drinks, a well-crafted beverage menu can boost revenue, enhance the guest experience, and set your operation apart from the competition.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report, more than half of full-service operators who serve alcohol have expanded their cocktail, beer, and wine selections to keep up with evolving consumer preferences. Additionally, 39% of adult consumers are interested in nonalcoholic versions of their favorite drinks, opening the door to innovative mocktails and zero-proof beverages.1
So, what does it take to build a winning beverage program? Here are five key strategies to keep in mind:
Taking These Strategies to the Test Kitchen
Now, it’s time to put these strategies into action! I’m heading into the test kitchen to craft some exciting cocktail and mocktail recipes using Simplot products—designed to help elevate your beverage program and drive profitability in your operation. Stay tuned as I experiment with unique ingredients and flavor combinations to create drinks that will have your guests coming back for more. Each drink is designed to be fun, approachable, and packed with ingredients that make them easy to recreate.
Boozy Milkshake and Fries: A Playful Classic
First up, I had to kick things off with a bit of mischief—a boozy milkshake served with crispy french fries. It’s the ultimate sweet-and-salty pairing, and let’s be real: dipping hot fries into a cold, creamy shake is practically a rite of passage. This shake is a decadent blend of velvety ice cream, rich chocolate, luscious caramel, and a splash of spirits for the grown-ups. A generous swirl of whipped cream on top makes it as indulgent as it is playful. The key here? Use a high-quality, thick ice cream to get that perfect consistency, and don’t be shy with the caramel drizzle! And yes, fries on the side are mandatory. My recommendation here is Simplot Conquest® Delivery+® Clear Coated Straight Cut Fries.
Peach Pisco Sour: A Summer Sip for Everyone
Next, I took a classic Pisco Sour and gave it a zero-proof makeover so everyone can join in on the fun. The magic here is in the texture—an egg white creates that signature silky foam, giving the drink the same luxurious feel as the original. Instead of pisco, I leaned into Simplot Simple Goodness™ Peaches to make a bright, juicy peach purée that screams summer. Pro tip: Blend the peaches smooth and strain for the silkiest texture or leave a little pulp for a rustic vibe. A squeeze of fresh lemon keeps it perfectly tart, balancing the natural sweetness of the peaches. If you’ve never tried making a foamy cocktail (or mocktail!) before, don’t worry—I break it down step by step in the video.
Avocado Kiwi Frozen Mocktail: A Tropical Margarita Vibe
What happens when you mix the creamy goodness of avocado with the bright tang of kiwi? You get a frozen mocktail that tastes like summer in a glass. I wanted to capture that frozen margarita experience without the booze, so I turned to Simplot Harvest Fresh® Avocado Pulp to create a smooth, dreamy base. Coconut water steps in as the perfect mixer, adding natural sweetness and just the right amount of tropical flair. And if you want to make this one boozy, a splash of tequila or white rum will do the trick.
Raspberry Bee’s Knees: A Floral, Fruity Twist on a Classic
The Bee’s Knees is already a perfect cocktail—light, floral, and effortlessly refreshing—but I couldn’t resist giving it a fun, summery update. Enter Simplot Simple Goodness™ Raspberry Crumbles. These little ruby-red gems add a tart, jammy punch that plays beautifully with local honey and gin. The trick to nailing this drink is in the stir—really go for it to ensure the honey fully dissolves, and the raspberries break down just enough to infuse the gin with their flavor. Strain it well, pour over ice, and you’ve got a porch pounder that tastes like a sunny afternoon. Curious how the raspberries transform this classic? Watch the video and see for yourself!
Berry-Infused Old Fashioned: A Seasonal Spin on a Stalwart
I love a good Old Fashioned, but let’s be honest—it’s usually a winter drink. To give it a fresh, warm-weather makeover, I turned to Simplot Simple Goodness™ Dark Sweet Pitted Cherries and Simplot Simple Goodness™ Blueberries, infusing them into the cocktail for a juicy, slightly tart twist. The fruit softens the whiskey’s edge while adding just the right amount of sweetness, making this a fantastic option for those who think they don’t like this classic (spoiler alert: they will after this). A quick muddle of the orange peel with a sugar cube and bitters lays the foundation, and from there, it’s just about letting the flavors meld.
Each of these drinks showcases just how fun and versatile Simplot’s fruit products can be—whether you’re crafting something boozy or booze-free. So grab your shaker, hit play on the videos, and let’s make some magic in the glass!
